“Choosing Gratitude” by Guest Writer: Susan Davidson

Unlike David’s Goliath and his brothers, the giants I battle in this arena called life aren’t as easily seen by others. But they are immense and can tower over me just the same.

I have days I struggle to defeat them as they wag their heads over me and threaten to put me in captivity and steal my peace. They have names like Doubt, Fear, Discouragement, and recently an even bigger bully named Unthankfulness.

There is a sign displayed in my kitchen that reads, “There is always, always, always something to be thankful for.” This same principle is also found in the Bible:

Give thanks to the Lord because he is good. His faithful love will last forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34 ERV

A stark reminder when my discontented heart wants to pout when I didn’t get what I desired — that gratitude is a choice.  A gentle reminder, too, that God is good even when life is not.

Living a life full of gratitude comes easy when there is money in the bank, everyone is healthy, and things are going according to my plans. But how can you still be thankful on the days you get the terrible diagnosis, you struggle as you watch others effortlessly have the things you desire to have, or you feel every dream you had has been shattered? How can you still say God is good when not-so-good things happen to you?

I’m learning that gratitude is indeed a choice and a strategic plan to live my life.

SUSAN DAVIDSON

Making a choice to actively focus on who God is and what He has done in my life. Instead of focusing on the things I lack or on the things my family is struggling with.  Focus on his plan for me and not on my own plans. Focus on eternity and all its joys to come instead of the temporary earthly pleasures of today.

When Goliath stood taunting King Saul and the children of Israel, there were two very different types of people in the crowd that day. (I Samuel 17) First, there were spectators, and then there was David. I can easily choose to be a spectator in my ingratitude battle and allow this Goliath-like giant in my life to continuously war and win against me. Or I can courageously step out into action like David with a sling called Trust and my stone of thankfulness, defeating this bully who disquiets my soul.

I can live defeated, or I can conquer my ingratitude giant to live victoriously. Then, finally, I can choose to live in contentment and joy in the One who is my soul-satisfying portion in this life.

None of us are ever guaranteed a life without seasons of disappointment and pain, but we are assured God will work all things to our good. A promise I hold close on a day that is less than I planned.  And God’s promise that I will rejoice in days to come is always, always, always something to be thankful for.

Susan Davidson is a wife, mother, and grandmother. She resides in a small town surrounded by mountains in southwest Virginia. She is a devotional writer for her church and small group Bible Study leader. She recently started blogging with the motto: “we are never too old for God to teach us something new.” Her passion is encouraging others in their walk with God by sharing her “handfuls of purpose.” She enjoys reading on her deck and spending time with her family and West Highland Terrier, Mindy. You can connect with Susan at her website: https://ruth216girl.com; on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruth216girl/; on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susan.davidson.12 and https://www.facebook.com/ruth216girl.

We thank you, Susan, for your contribution to Titus-two.com this month and sharing about Gratitude.

We love you to Heaven and Back, Susan ~~

LindaRJohnson, TitusTwo Visionary